Middle School Math

Math in Middle School

School curriculums vary, particularly since the age and grades of students in different schools vary, but most middle school students will have to learn the following, if they haven't already:

• Fractions
• Geometry
• Pre-algebra or basic algebra

Usually fractions are not that difficult once you get the hang of them. A lot of students find they either like (or can at least understand) geometry or algebra, but often not both. This is where kids who are really good at math will start to shine, and where other students' life-long hatred of math begins.

Helping Kids Through Middle School Math

This can be a difficult time for parents as well. Even the most math-phobic parent can help his or her child through the math that must learned in elementary school without a problem. But once you start talking about geometry and algebra, subjects you might not have enjoyed when you had to take them, some insecurity can come up.

Parents want to be able to answer all their children's questions, but when it comes to math, you just might not be able to. That's ok, because you know where to look to get the help your child needs that you cannot provide.

There are tons of different homework help websites and educational tools that can help you and your child make it through middle school math unscathed. Here are some of the sites you might want to look at for math help:

• Homework Spot middle school math page
• Awesome Library middle school and high school math
• Math Forum
• Math Resources for California standardized tests
• Explore Learning math and science "gizmos"
• Algebra Tutor free, online math tutor
• Go Math free, e-mail based math tutoring

When is it Time for a Tutor?

If you see that your child's middle school math scores are dropping and you're worried than neither you nor your child's teacher seems to be able to provide the right support, hiring a math tutor can be a great option.

These people are usually well trained in math and in tutoring, and can help your child understand concepts that you might not be able to explain. Tutors give individual attention to students

If you think your child might need a math tutor, talk to his or her teacher first. If the teacher agrees that tutor might be a good solution, then it makes sense for you to pursue one. If, on the other hand, your child's teacher doesn't see a problem, it may be that you are overly worried or want your child to get straight A's. Suddenly there's a problem because grades in one subject are slipping.

Not everyone is good at math; that's just a fact of life. Getting extra help can be beneficial for some students who are having trouble understanding the concepts of middle school math and who feel they are falling behind in their work.

Hiring A Tutor

The decision to hire a tutor should not be made without your child. It could be he or she is just slacking off a little bit but now that you've made it clear you're aware of the problem, they will start improving. Or it could be that your child wants a tutor.

When you're looking for a tutor, make sure you and your child both meet the tutor face to face before signing up. Get to know the person's style and always ask for and call referrals to make sure the person has been successful with other students.

Hiring a tutor can seem like an extreme measure, but if your child gets lost in middle school math, its not likely to get any better through high school and college. It's certainly worth the time and expense if you can get your child back on the right track early.

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